Steering device for motor vehicle

ABSTRACT

A steering apparatus for a vehicle has a steering column rotatably supporting a steering shaft, a first support member held between opposed flat plate portions of an upper bracket and supporting the steering column, a second support member held between opposed flat plate portions of a lower bracket and supporting the steering column, a first support mechanism for supporting the steering column on the upper bracket, and a second support mechanism for supporting the steering column on the lower bracket, wherein the steering column, the first support member and the second support member are integrally formed, the first support member is integrally formed with a first swelling portion having a pair of side portions that respectively press-abut on a pair of opposed flat plate portions of the upper bracket, and the second support member is integrally formed with a second swelling portion having a pair of side portions that respectively press-abut on a pair of opposed flat plate portions of the lower bracket.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a steering apparatus for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND ARTS

In the prior art, a steering column integrally formed with a swellingportion is molded of a steel pipe by plastic working, etc., and sidefaces of the swelling portion are formed with round holes or elongateholes for adjusting a column position, through which a fastening bolt ofa clamp mechanism is inserted. With this configuration, the swellingportion having the column position adjusting round holes or elongateholes takes a closed sectional structure integral with the steeringcolumn. Accordingly, the steering column itself can be given highrigidity, and it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs (a materialcost, a working cost and an assembling cost) and a weight as well (e.g.,Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 8-276852 andJapanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 10-7003).

Note that the present applicant discloses, in preceding Japanese PatentApplication No. 2001-238198, a hydroform process as a working methodthat a die assembly accommodates a thin-wall steel pipe, an interior ofthe steel pipe is filled with pressure water or oil, and the steel pipeis formed in a desired configuration by swelling the steel pipe. Thismethod in the preceding application has advantages of enabling a compactdesign because of having no welding portion in the case of manufacturinga member taking a closed sectional structure by welding after pressmolding, exhibiting excellency of strength and rigidity, and reducing aworking cost and a weight as well.

Further, in a telescopic type steering apparatus disclosed in JapanesePatent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 8-276852, a steering columnis constructed such that, at a front side end thereof with respect to avehicle body, a hinge bracket fixed to the column is secured by a hingepin to a vehicle body side lower bracket, and at a middle portion of thesteering column a distance bracket fixed to the column is secured to thevehicle body by a fastening bolt through a vehicle-body-side tiltbracket taking substantially an L-shape as viewed from a side. Thesebracket members (the hinge bracket and the distance bracket) fixed tothe column are manufactured separately from the steering column andfixed to the steering column by welding, caulking, (or clinching) etc.when assembled.

Moreover, in a steering apparatus disclosed in Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-53001 (FIG. 9), wires leadingto switches of a winker, a wiper, a light, a horn, an ignition, etc. arebundled and thus accommodated in a harness in order to prevent a contactfailure caused by vibrations, etc. when performing a tilt adjustingoperation as well as a telescopic position adjusting operation and whentraveling. This harness is fixed to the steering column via a harnessfixing bracket by use of a clip, etc.

In the former case, however, the column position adjusting round orelongate hole formed in the swelling portion of the steering column issimply holed by a general type of working method, and a peripheral edgeof this round or elongate hole is formed as an open end.

As a result, particularly in a telescopic structure requiring theelongate hole, a considerable degree of surface rigidity (flexuralrigidity) of the periphery of the elongate hole at the swelling portionis not acquired, and a low level of the surface rigidity (flexuralrigidity) of the swelling portion is a point that raises much concern.

Moreover, the peripheral edge of the elongate hole is the open end, and,because of the low surface rigidity (flexural rigidity) of the swellingportion, there is no alternative but to adopt a complicated machiningmethod such as milling, etc. by way of a boring work method.

Still further, in the latter case, the hinge bracket, the distancebracket and the harness fixing bracket, which are fixed to the steeringcolumn, are manufactured separately from the steering column andwelding, caulking (or clinching), etc. are adopted when assembled.Hence, there are increased the manufacturing costs (the material cost,the working cost and the assembling cost) and the weight of the steeringcolumn.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention, which was devised under suchcircumstances, to provide a steering apparatus for a vehicle that iscapable of reducing the number of components by increasing rigidity of asteering column itself.

To accomplish the above object, a steering apparatus for a vehicleaccording to one aspect of the present invention comprises an upperbracket which is fixed to a rear side portion of a vehicle body andincludes a pair of opposed flat plate portions formed with first holesopposed to each other and separated from each other, a lower bracketwhich is fixed to a front side portion of the vehicle body and includesa pair of opposed flat plate portions formed with second holes opposedeach other and separated from each other, a steering column rotatablysupporting a steering shaft, a first support member held between theopposed flat plate portions of the upper bracket, formed with a firstsupport hole facing the first hole and supporting the steering column, asecond support member held between the opposed flat plate portions ofthe lower bracket, formed with a second support hole facing the secondhole and supporting the steering column, a first support mechanism forsupporting the steering column on the upper bracket via the first holeof the upper bracket and via the first support hole of the first supportmember, and a second support mechanism for supporting the steeringcolumn on the lower bracket via the second hole of the lower bracket andvia the second support hole of the second support member, wherein thesteering column is integrally formed with the first support member andthe second support member, the first support member is integrally formedwith a first swelling portion having a pair of side portions thatrespectively press-abut on the pair of opposed flat plate portions ofthe upper bracket, and the second support member is integrally formedwith a second swelling portion having a pair of side portions thatrespectively press-abut on the pair of opposed flat plate portions ofthe lower bracket.

Further, a steering apparatus for a vehicle according to another aspectof the present invention comprises an upper bracket fixed to a rear sideportion of a vehicle body and including a pair of opposed flat plateportions formed with first holes opposed each other and separated fromeach other, a lower bracket fixed to a front side portion of the vehiclebody and including a pair of opposed flat plate portions formed withsecond holes opposed each other and separated from each other, asteering column rotatably supporting a steering shaft, a first supportmember held between the opposed flat plate portions of the upperbracket, formed with a first support hole opposing the first hole andsupporting the steering column, a second support member held between theopposed flat plate portions of the lower bracket, formed with a secondsupport hole opposing the second hole and supporting the steeringcolumn, a third support member for supporting a harness member betweenthe first support member and the second support member, a first supportmechanism for supporting the steering column on the upper bracket viathe first hole of the upper bracket and via the first support hole ofthe lower bracket, and a second support mechanism for supporting thesteering column on the lower bracket via the second hole of the lowerbracket and via the second support hole of the second support member,wherein the steering column is integrally formed with at least twosupport members among the first support member, the second supportmember and the third support member, the first support member isintegrally formed with a first swelling portion having a pair of sideportions that respectively press-abut on the pair of opposed flat plateportions of the upper bracket, the second support member is integrallyformed with a swelling portion having a pair of side portions supportedrespectively via a hinge device on the pair of opposed flat plateportions of the lower bracket, and the third support member isintegrally formed with a third swelling portion having a third supporthole for fixing a support member that supports the harness member.

Still further, in the steering apparatus for the vehicle according tothe present invention, it is preferable that the third support member isformed on the first swelling portion, formed extending toward a frontside of a vehicle body, of the first support member.

Yet further, in the steering apparatus for the vehicle according to thepresent invention, it is preferable that a protruded portion protrudinginward along the whole of the first support hole is formed along aperipheral edge of the first support hole.

Moreover, in the steering apparatus for the vehicle according to thepresent invention, it is preferable that the first hole of the upperbracket is an elongate hole for adjusting a tilt position,

the second support mechanism is a hinge mechanism for rotatablysupporting the steering column, and the first support mechanism holdsand fixes the first support member between the pair of opposed flatplate portions of the upper bracket, or releases the first supportmember to enable the steering column to move.

Furthermore, in the steering apparatus for the vehicle according to thepresent invention, it is preferable that both of the first support holeof the first support member and the second support hole of the secondsupport member are elongate holes for adjusting a telescopic position ofthe steering column.

A steering apparatus for a vehicle according to a further aspect of thepresent invention comprises a steering column for rotatably supporting asteering shaft, and a vehicle-body-rear-sided bracket and avehicle-body-front-sided bracket, fixed to a vehicle-body-sidedstrengthening member, for supporting the steering column, wherein thesteering column is integrally formed with a plurality of swellingportions and is supported on the vehicle-body-rear-sided bracket and/orthe vehicle-body-front-sided bracket via the swelling portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side view of the whole of a tilt adjusting type steeringcolumn apparatus according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention; FIG. 1B is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG.1A, as well as being a sectional view of a steering column, of which aswelling portion takes an integral closed sectional structure, in thetilt adjusting type steering column apparatus for the vehicle accordingto the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1C is a sectional viewtaken along the line B-B in FIG. 1A, as well as being a sectional viewof the steering column, of which a support bracket portion takes anintegral closed sectional structure, in the tilt type steering columnapparatus for the vehicle according to the embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are views each showing a structure of only thesteering column in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C;

FIG. 3A is a side view showing the whole of a tilt/telescopic positionadjusting type steering column apparatus for the vehicle according to asecond embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3B is a sectional viewtaken along the line A-A in FIG. 3A, as well as being a sectional viewof a steering column, wherein a swelling portion of the tilt/telescopicadjusting type steering column apparatus for the vehicle according tothe embodiment of the present invention takes an integral closedsectional structure; FIG. 3C is a sectional view taken along the lineB-B in FIG. 3A, as well as being a sectional view of the steeringcolumn, wherein a support bracket portion of the tilt/telescopicadjusting type steering column apparatus for the vehicle according tothe embodiment of the present invention takes an integral closedsectional structure;

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are views each showing a structure of only thesteering column in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C;

FIG. 5 is a side view showing the whole of a tilt adjusting typesteering column apparatus for the vehicle according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 5, as wellas being a sectional view of a steering column, wherein a swellingportion of the tilt/telescopic adjusting type steering column apparatusfor the vehicle according to the embodiment of the present inventiontakes an integral closed sectional structure; FIG. 6B is a sectionalview taken along the line B-B in FIG. 5, as well as being a sectionalview of a support bracket portion of the tilt/telescopic adjusting typesteering column apparatus for the vehicle according to the embodiment ofthe present invention; FIG. 6C is a sectional view taken along the lineC-C in FIG. 5, as well as being a sectional view of a steering column,wherein a swelling portion for fixing a harness of the tilt adjustingtype steering column apparatus for the vehicle according to theembodiment of the present invention takes an integral closed sectionalstructure;

FIG. 7 shows a side view of a tilt adjusting type steering apparatus fora vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the whole of a tilt adjusting type steeringapparatus for a vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9A is a sectional view taken along the line C-C in FIG. 8, as wellas being a sectional view of a steering column, wherein a swellingportion of the tilt adjusting type steering column apparatus for thevehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention takes anintegral closed sectional structure; FIGS. 9B-9E are sectional views ofa steering column, wherein a swelling portion of the tilt adjusting typesteering column apparatus for the vehicle with a harness fixed by use ofpieces of metal fittings taking a variety of configurations, takes anintegral closed sectional structure; and

FIG. 10A shows a side view of a tilt adjusting type steering columnapparatus for a vehicle according to a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention; FIG. 10B is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG.10A, as well as being a sectional view of a steering column, wherein aswelling portion of the tilt adjusting type steering column apparatusfor the vehicle according to the embodiment of the present inventiontakes an integral closed sectional structure; FIG. 10C is a sectionalview taken along the line B-B in FIG. 10A, as well as being a sectionalview of a support bracket portion of the tilt adjusting type steeringcolumn apparatus for the vehicle according to the embodiment of thepresent invention; FIG. 10D is a sectional views taken along the lineC-C in FIG. 10A, as well as being a sectional view of a steering column,wherein a harness fixation swelling portion of the tilt type steeringcolumn apparatus for the vehicle according to the embodiment of thepresent invention takes an integral closed sectional structure.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A steering apparatus for a vehicle according to each embodiment of thepresent invention will hereinafter be described with reference to thedrawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1A is a side view of the whole of a tilt type steering columnapparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.1B is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 1A, as well asbeing a sectional view of a steering column, of which a swelling portiontakes an integral closed sectional structure, in the tilt type steeringcolumn apparatus for the vehicle according to the embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 1C is a sectional view taken along the line B-Bin FIG. 1A, as well as being a sectional view of the steering column, ofwhich a support bracket portion takes an integral closed sectionalstructure, in the tilt type steering column apparatus for the vehicleaccording to the embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2A, 2B and2C are views each showing a structure of only a steering column 1 inFIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C.

Referring to FIGS. 1A through 1C and FIGS. 2A through 2C, the tilt typesteering apparatus for the vehicle according to the first embodiment ofthe present invention includes a tilt adjustable steering column (whichwill hereinafter be simply termed a steering column) 1 for the vehicle,wherein a steering shaft 2 is rotatably supported within the steeringcolumn 1 through a bearing (unillustrated) provided along an innerperipheral portion of the steering column 1, and an unillustratedsteering wheel is secured to an upper side end portion, on the rear sideof the vehicle body, of the steering shaft 2. In the first embodiment,the steering column 1 is made of a steel pipe material as a single pieceof blank by integral molding based on a hydroform process which will beexplained later on in a way that integrally forms a swelling portion 7at a middle portion of the steering column 1 and a support bracketportion 14 at a lower side end portion, on the front side of the vehiclebody, of the steering column 1.

To a central portion of the steering column 1 in a lengthwise directiona resilient member 3 taking substantially an L-shape as viewed in FIG.1A, is fitted, thereby preventing the steering wheel from dropping downwhen releasing an operation lever 10. A tilt bracket 5 secured to thevehicle body, which is defined as an upper bracket, is fixed to an upperside portion on the rear side of the vehicle body. The tilt bracket 5includes a pair of horizontal portions 5 a, 5 a extending in atransversal direction of the steering column 1 and a pair of opposedflat plate portions 5 b, 5 b formed integrally with the pair ofhorizontal portions 5 a, 5 a, extending in up-and-down directions, andalso extending in an axial direction on both sides of the steeringcolumn 1. The pair of opposed flat plate portions 5 b, 5 b are formedwith a pair of tilt adjusting elongate holes (first bracket holes) 6, 6.The resilient member 3 taking substantially the L-shape is held byhooking hook portions 3 a, 3 a of the resilient member 3 on hookingportion 5 c, 5 c of the tilt bracket 5 secured to the vehicle body. Alower portion 3 b of the resilient member 3 abuts on a lower portion ofthe swelling portion 7 of the steering column 1. The resilient member 3is provided with ring portions 3 c, 3 c given a spring characteristicfor sustaining the steering column 1 upward with these ring portions 3c, 3 c.

A pair of flat side portions 7 a, 7 a, which are so supported by thevehicle-body-secured tilt bracket 5 as to come into contact with therespective opposed flat plate portions 5 b, 5 b of thevehicle-body-secured tilt bracket 5, are integrally formed on theswelling portion (a first support portion) 7 formed integrally with thesteering column 1. These flat side portions 7 a, 7 a are formed with apair of column support holes 8, 8 serving as first support holes. Afastening bolt 9 is, as a rectangular enlarged head portion 11 at theleft end as viewed in FIG. 1B engages with a leftward tilt adjustingelongate hole 6, therefore unable to rotate. A tapered nut 9 a isscrewed to the other side end of the fastening bolt 9 outwardly of theright-side flat plate portion 5 b, and the operation lever 10 isintegrally fitted on the tapered nut 9 a between this tapered nut 9 aand the nut 9 c fixed to an end of the fastening bolt 9, thusstructuring a clamp mechanism 58. This clamp mechanism 58 adjusts adegree of fastening the opposed flat plate portions 5 b, 5 b via thebolt 9 through a rotation of the nut 9 a by the operation lever 10, andis a known mechanism as such. The clamp mechanism 58 may also be amechanism including a cam mechanism.

The lower side end portion, on the front side of the vehicle body, ofthe steering column is so supported on a vehicle-body-secured lowerbracket 4 as to be rockable (tiltable). The vehicle-body-secured lowerbracket 4 is fixed to the vehicle body side, and includes a pair ofhorizontal portions 4 a, 4 a extending in the transversal direction ofthe steering column 1 and a pair of opposed flat plate portions 4 b, 4 bformed integrally with the pair of horizontal portions 4 a, 4 a,extending in the up-and-down directions, and also extending in the axialdirection on both sides of the steering column. The pair of opposed flatplate portions 4 b, 4 b are formed with a pair of bracket support holes(second bracket holes) 4 c, 4 c.

The lower end portion, on the front side of the vehicle body, of thesteering column 1 is provided with a support bracket portion (secondsupport portion) 14 formed integrally with the swelling portion 7 by aswelling work. The support bracket portion 14 is formed integrally witha pair of flat side portions 14 a, 14 a so supported as to come intocontact with the respective opposed flat plate portions 4 b, 4 b of thevehicle-body-secured lower bracket 4. These side portions 14 a, 14 a areformed with a pair of support holes 16, 16 defined as second supportholes. As shown in FIG. 2C, the support bracket 14 which is openeddownward is rotatably supported on the vehicle-body-secured bracket 4 insuch a way that hinge pins 15, 15 are inserted through the support holes16, 16 and the support holes 4 c, 4 c (see FIGS. 1A-1C). Each of thehinge pins 15 is inserted, with a washer 15 a interposed, through thebracket support hole 4 c and the support hole 16 of the side portion 14a of the support bracket 14, wherein one side end of the hinge pin 15has an enlarged head portion directed outside, while the other end ofthe pin 15 is crushed to prevent its coming off. Thus, the tilt steeringapparatus is constructed.

In the tilt adjusting type steering apparatus for the vehicle thatemploys the thus-constructed steering column 1, on the occasion ofadjusting and thus fixing a tilt position, when rotating the operationlever 10 in a fastening direction, a gap between the head portion 11 ofthe fastening bolt 9 and the adjusting nut 9 a is narrowed, andconsequently a gap between the pair of opposed flat plate portions 5 b,5 b of the vehicle-body-secured bracket 5 gets narrowed and press-fixedto the pair of side portions 7 a, 7 a of the swelling portion 7 of thesteering column 1. With this contrivance, the tilt position of thesteering column 1 is fixed.

On the other hand, when adjusting the tilt position, when rotating theoperation lever 10 in a releasing direction, the gap between the headportion 11 of the fastening bolt 9 and the adjusting nut 9 a isexpanded, and consequently the gap between the pair of opposed flatplate portions 5 b, 5 b of the vehicle-body-secured bracket 5 returns tothe previous level, and the press-fixation to the pair of side flatportions 7 a, 7 a of the swelling portion 7 of the steering column 1 isreleased. Through this operation, the steering column 1 gets rotatableabout the hinge pin 15, and the tilt position of the steering column 1can be adjusted. With the operation described above, the steering column1 can be adjusted to a desired tilt position. The spring characteristicof the resilient member 3 is so designed that when adjusting the tiltposition an auxiliary force acting upward is applied to the steeringcolumn 1 and can therefore assist (reduce) the operating force requiredwhen an operator moves the steering column 1 in the upward direction.

As shown in FIG. 2A, according to the first embodiment, the steel pipematerial as the single blank is molded by the hydroform process into thesteering column 1 including the swelling portion 7 and the supportbracket portion 14 as the integral components, wherein the pair of sideportions 7 a, 7 a of the swelling portion 7 are formed with the pair ofcolumn support holes 8, 8, and the pair of side portions 14 a, 14 a ofthe support bracket portion 14 are formed with the pair of bracketsupport holes 16, 16. The support bracket portion 14 is opened downward,as shown in FIG. 2C, from the front side end of the column to at leastthe lower portions of the bracket support holes 16, 16, therebyfacilitating the rotation of the steering column.

Moreover, on the occasion of the integral molding of the swellingportion 7 with the steering column 1, the swelling portion 7 is moldedon an area including peripheral edges of the pair of column supportholes 8, 8 in such a way that there remain areas serving as protrudedportions 20, 20 (which will hereinafter be referred to as flanges(flares)) protruding inward over the pair of column support holes 8, 8as the whole.

Then, the pair of column support holes 8, 8 are bored while theseflanges 20, 20 (flares) remain. A boring work method adopted in thefirst embodiment can involve employing a boring method by press workingother than a complicated machining method such as milling, etc. Theseworking methods are capable of sufficiently increasing surface rigidity(flexural rigidity) of the swelling portion 7.

The hydroform process given herein represents a method by which a dieassembly accommodates a thin steel pipe, an interior of the steel pipeis filled with pressure water or an oil, and the steel pipe is swollenin a desired shape and thus molded, or represents, as a simple method, amethod of swelling the steel pipe by filling it with a rubber and thelike. The hydroform process is less of thermal deformation because of nowelding portion and has more advantages of reducing costs for workingand manufacturing and a weight as well than in the case of manufacturinga member taking the closed sectional structure by welding after thepress molding.

Thus, according to the first embodiment, the swelling portion takes theclosed sectional structure integral with the steering column 1, and itis therefore possible to make a compact design, attain excellentstrength and rigidity, and reduce the manufacturing costs (a materialcost, a working cost and assembling cost) and the weight as well.

Further, the flanges 20, 20 (flares) are formed along the peripheraledges of the pair of column support holes 8, 8, and hence the surfacerigidity (flexural rigidity) of the swelling portion 7 integrally moldedon the steering column 1 can be improved.

Accordingly, holding power of the steering column 1 with respect to thevehicle body can be enhanced by increasing the rigidity of the steeringcolumn 1 itself. This can lead further to improvement of the rigidityagainst vibrations.

Moreover, in the first embodiment, the flanges 20, 20 (flares) extendinwardly of the swelling portion 7, and it is therefore possible toavoid a problem of [molding flash] that might occur along theperipheries of the pair of column support holes 8, 8 on the occasion ofthe boring work.

Still further, it is feasible to smoothly make the tilt adjustmentthrough the integral molding without any deformation caused wheneffecting weld-bonding as done by the conventional technique.

Second Embodiment

Next, a steering column for a vehicle according to a second embodimentof the present invention will hereinafter be described.

FIG. 3A is a side view showing the whole of a tilt/telescopic positionadjusting type steering column apparatus for the vehicle according tothe second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B is a sectionalview taken along the line A-A in FIG. 3A, as well as being a sectionalview of a steering column, wherein a swelling portion of thetilt/telescopic type steering column apparatus for the vehicle accordingto the second embodiment of the present invention takes an integralclosed sectional structure. FIG. 3C is a sectional view taken along theline B-B in FIG. 3A, as well as being a sectional view of the steeringcolumn, wherein a support bracket portion of the tilt/telescopic typesteering column apparatus for the vehicle according to the secondembodiment of the present invention takes an integral closed sectionalstructure. FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are views each showing a structure ofonly the steering column in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C and FIGS. 4A-4C, the steering apparatus for thevehicle according to the second embodiment of the present inventionincludes a tilt/telescopic type steering column (which will hereinafterbe simply termed a steering column) 101 for the vehicle, wherein asteering shaft 102 is rotatably supported within the steering column 101through a bearing (unillustrated) provided along an inner peripheralportion of the steering column 101, and an unillustrated steering wheelis secured to an upper side end portion, on the rear side of the vehiclebody, of the steering shaft 102. In the second embodiment, the steeringcolumn 101 is made of a steel pipe material as a single piece of blankby integral molding based on the same hydroform process as in the firstembodiment in a way that integrally forms a swelling portion 17 at amiddle portion of the steering column 101 and a support bracket portion24 at a lower end portion, on the front side of the vehicle body, of thesteering column 101. The support bracket portion 24 is, unlike the firstembodiment, closed in its lower part at the front side end of thevehicle (see FIG. 3C).

To a central portion of the steering column 101 in a lengthwisedirection, a resilient member 103 taking substantially an L-shape asviewed in FIG. 3A is fitted, thereby preventing the steering wheel fromdropping down when releasing an operation lever 110. Avehicle-body-secured tilt bracket 105 is fixed to the vehicle body side,and includes a pair of horizontal portions 105 a, 105 a extending in atransversal direction of the steering column 101 and a pair of opposedflat plate portions 105 b, 105 b formed integrally with the pair ofhorizontal portions 105 a, 105 a, extending in up-and-down directions,and also extending in the axial direction on both sides of the steeringcolumn 101. The pair of opposed flat plate portions 105 b, 105 b areformed with a pair of tilt adjusting elongate holes 106, 106. Theresilient member 103 taking substantially the L-shape is held by hookinghook portions 103 a, 103 a of the resilient member 103 on hookingportion 105 c, 105 c of the vehicle-body-secured tilt bracket 105. Alower portion 103 b of the resilient member 103 abuts on a lower portionof the swelling portion 17 of the steering column 101. The resilientmember 103 is provided with ring portions 103 c, 103 c given a springcharacteristic for sustaining the steering column 101 upward with thesering portions 103 c, 103 c.

A pair of flat side portions 17 a, 17 a, which are so supported by thevehicle-body-secured tilt bracket 105 as to come into contact with therespective opposed flat plate portions 105 b, 105 b of thevehicle-body-secured tilt bracket 105, are integrally formed on theswelling portion 17 formed integrally with the steering column 101.These flat side portions 17 a, 17 a are formed with a pair of columntelescopic position adjusting elongate holes 18, 18 serving as firstsupport holes. A fastening bolt 109 having a clamp mechanism 118 isinserted through the pair of tilt adjusting elongate holes 106, 106 andthe pair of column position adjusting elongate holes 18, 18, and anoperation lever 110 is rotatably fitted on the fastening bolt 109. Theclamp mechanism 118 can be constructed as a cam mechanism shown in FIGS.3A-3C. A cam mechanism 109 includes a movable cam fitted on thefastening bolt 109 having a head portion and rotating together with theoperation lever 110, a fixed cam 110 b so fixed to the flat plateportion 105 b as to be slidable but incapable of rotating, and a nut 110c screwed to a front side end of the bolt 109 outwardly of another flatplate portion 105 b, and is a known mechanism in itself. The cammechanism 109 can also serve as a stopper for the lever 110.

The lower end portion, on the front side of the vehicle body, of thesteering column 101 is so supported on the vehicle-body-secured lowerbracket 104 as to be rockable (tiltable). The vehicle-body-secured lowerbracket 104 is fixed to a vehicle body side strengthening member (notshown), and includes a pair of horizontal portions 104 a, 104 aextending in transversal direction of the steering column 101 and a pairof opposed flat plate portions 104 b, 104 b formed integrally with thepair of horizontal portions 104 a, 104 a, extending in the up-and-downdirections, and also extending in the axial direction on both sides ofthe steering column 101. The pair of opposed flat plate portions 104 b,104 b are formed with a pair of bracket support holes 104 c, 104 c.

The lower end portion, on the front side of the vehicle body, of thesteering column 101 is provided with a support bracket portion 24 formedintegrally with the swelling portion 17 by the swelling work. Thesupport bracket portion 24 is formed integrally with a pair of flat sideportions 24 a, 24 a so supported as to come into contact with therespective opposed flat plate portions 104 b, 104 b of thevehicle-body-secured lower bracket 104. The side portions 24 a, 24 a areformed with a pair of bracket support elongate holes 26, 26 defined assecond support holes for adjusting a column telescopic position. Asshown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, the support bracket 24 is so supported on thevehicle-body-secured bracket 104 as to he slidable and rotatable in theway that the hinge pins 115 are, as shown in FIG. 3C, inserted throughthe bracket support elongate holes 26, 26 and the bracket support holes104 c, 104 c. Each of the hinge pins 115 penetrates the elongate hole 26of the side portion 24 a via a Belleville spring 130 from an interior ofthe support bracket portion 24 with its enlarged head portion 115 adirected inward and further penetrates the support hole 104 c of theflat plate portion 104 b of the vehicle-body-secured bracket 104, and iscaulked (or clinched) outside by a flat plate portion 10 b. Thus, thetile/telescopic type steering apparatus is constructed.

In the tilt/telescopic type steering apparatus for the vehicle thatemploys the thus-constructed steering column 101, on the occasion ofadjusting and fixing the tilt or/and telescopic position(s), theoperation lever 110 is rotated in the fastening direction, so that gapbetween the fixed cam 110 b and the nut 110 c is narrowed by the cammechanism, and consequently a gap between the pair of the opposed flatplate portions 105 b and 105 b of the vehicle-body-secured tilt bracket105 gets narrowed, with the result that the pair of side portions 17 a,17 a of the swelling portion 17 of the steering column 101 arerespectively press-fixed. Through this operation, the tilt or/andtelescopic position(s) is fixed.

On the other hand, on the occasion of adjusting the tilt or/and thetelescopic position(s), when the operation lever 110 is rotated in thereleasing direction, the gap between the fixed cam 110 b and the nut 110c is expanded by the cam mechanism, and the press-fixations between thepair of opposed flat plate portions 105 b, 105 b of thevehicle-body-secured tilt bracket 105 and the pair of side portions 17a, 17 a of the swelling portion 17 are respectively released. With thisoperation, the tilt or/and telescopic position(s) of the steering column101 can be adjusted. Through the operation described above, the steeringcolumn 101 can be adjusted to the desired tilt or/and telescopicposition(s). A spring characteristic of the resilient member 103 isdesigned so that, when adjusting the tilt position, an auxiliary forceacting upward is applied to the steering column 101 and can thereforeassist (reduce) the operating force required when the operator moves thesteering column 101 in the upward direction.

Note that the manufacturing method based on the hydroform process, theoperations and the effects are the same as those in the firstembodiment, and their in-depth descriptions are omitted.

Thus, in the second embodiment, the steering column 101 made of thesteel pipe material as the single blank is integrally formed with theswelling portion 17 and the support bracket 24, and hence it is possibleto enhance the holding power of the steering column 101 with respect tothe vehicle body by increasing the rigidity of the steering column 101itself and to reduce the manufacturing costs (the material cost, theworking cost and the assembling cost) and the weight as well. To bespecific, the conventional steering column requires fixing three piecesof components at the minimum such as a pipe, a distance bracket and ahinge bracket by welding, caulking (or clinching) and so forth, however,only the steel pipe material as the single blank suffices for thesteering column 101 in the second embodiment.

Note that, as in the first embodiment, on the occasion of the integralmolding of the swelling portion 17 with the steering column 101, theswelling portion 17 is molded on an area including peripheral edges ofthe pair of column support holes 18, 18 as the first support holes insuch a way that there remain areas serving as protruded portions 20, 20(which will hereinafter be referred to as flanges (flares)) protrudinginward along the whole of the pair of column support holes 18, 18.

Thus, in the second embodiment also, as in the first embodiment, it isfeasible to further improve the surface rigidity (flexural rigidity) ofthe swelling portion 17 integrally formed on the steering column 101 byforming the flanges 20, 20 (flares) over the peripheral edges of thepair of column adjusting elongate holes 18, 18. Moreover, the tilt andtelescopic adjustments can be smoothly made through the integral moldingwithout any deformation caused by the weld-bonding, etc. as by theconventional technique. Other operations and effects are the same asthose in the first embodiment, and hence their explanations are omitted.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 5 is a side view showing the whole of a tilt type steering columnapparatus for the vehicle according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 6A is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG.5, as well as being a sectional view of a steering column, wherein aswelling portion of the tilt/telescopic type steering column apparatusfor the vehicle according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention takes an integral closed sectional structure. FIG. 6B is asectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 5, as well as being asectional view of a support bracket portion of the tilt/telescopic typesteering column apparatus for the vehicle according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6C is a sectional view takenalong the line C-C in FIG. 5, as well as being a sectional view of asteering column, wherein a swelling portion for fixing a harness of thetilt type steering column apparatus for the vehicle according to thethird embodiment of the present invention takes an integral closedsectional structure.

In the tilt type steering apparatus for the vehicle according to thethird embodiment of the present invention, in FIG. 5, a cylinder holdingmember 232 for holding a key cylinder 230 is fitted to an outerperipheral portion of a steering column 201 at the upper end portion, onthe rear side of the vehicle body, of the steering column 201.

A steering shaft 202 is rotatably supported within the steering column201 via bearings 201 a, 201 b provided respectively on the upper endportion, on the rear side of the vehicle body, of the inner peripheralportion of the steering column 201 and on the lower end portion, on thefront side of the vehicle body, of the inner peripheral portion thereof.An unillustrated steering wheel is secured to the upper end, on the rearside of the vehicle body, of the steering shaft 202.

A central portion of the steering column 201 in the lengthwise directionis so supported on a vehicle-body-secured tilt bracket 205 as to berockable (tiltable). The vehicle-body-secured tilt bracket 205 issupported via resin capsules (not shown) on a vehicle body strengtheningmember so that the bracket 205 can get, upon a secondary collision,separated toward the front side of the vehicle from the vehicle bodyside strengthening member. The vehicle-body-secured tilt bracket 205includes a pair of horizontal portions 205 a, 205 a extending in atransversal direction of the steering column 201 and a pair of opposedflat plate portions 205 b, 205 b formed integrally with the pair ofhorizontal portions 205 a, 205 a, extending in up-and-down directions,and also extending in an axial direction on both sides of the steeringcolumn 201. The pair of opposed flat plate portions 205 b, 205 b areformed with a pair of tilt adjusting elongate holes 206, 206 (see FIGS.5 and 6A).

A swelling portion 27 is integrally formed by the hydroform process on acentral portion of the steering column 201 in the lengthwise direction.The swelling portion 27 integrally formed on the steering column 201 isintegrally formed with a pair of flat side portions 27 a, 27 a that areso supported on the vehicle-body-secured upper bracket 205 as torespectively come into contact with the opposed flat plate portions 205b, 205 b of the vehicle-body-secured upper bracket 205. These sideportions 27 a, 27 a are formed with a pair of column position adjustinground holes 28, 28 defined as first support holes. A fastening bolt 209having a clamp mechanism 218 is inserted through the pair of tiltadjusting elongate holes 206, 206 and through the pair of columnposition adjusting round holes 28, 28. An operation lever 210 isrotatably fitted on the fastening bolt 209. The clamp mechanism 218 usedherein, as in the second embodiment, includes a cam mechanism and is aknown mechanism in itself.

A harness fixation swelling portion 40 defined as a third support memberis formed when forming the swelling portion 27 in such a way that theswelling portion 40 is swollen downwardly of the steering column 201between the swelling portion 27 of the steering column 201 and the lowerend portion, on the front side of the vehicle body, of the steeringcolumn 201. The harness fixation swelling portion 40 is flat in itslower part, where a clip holding hole 44 is formed. A clip stoppingportion 46 of a harness fixing clip 42 is inserted into this hole 44,and the harness fixing clip 42 is engaged with the steering column 201.A harness 48 that bundles wires leading to a wiper, a winker, a light,the key cylinder, etc. is inserted into the harness fixing clip 42 andfixed to the steering column 201.

The lower end portion, on the front side of the vehicle body, of thesteering column 201 is so supported on the vehicle-body-secured lowerbracket 204 as to be rockable (tiltable). The vehicle-body-secured lowerbracket 204 is fixed to the vehicle body side and includes a pair ofhorizontal portions 204 a, 204 a extending in a transversal direction ofthe steering column 201 and a pair of opposed flat plate portions 204 b,204 b formed integrally with the pair of horizontal portions 204 a, 204a, extending in up-and-down directions, and also extending in an axialdirection on both sides of the steering column 201. The pair of opposedflat plate portions 204 b, 204 b are formed with a pair of bracketsupport holes 204 c, 204 c. The bracket support holes 204 c, 204 c openforward and enable the steering column to move on the front side of thevehicle upon the secondary collision.

A support bracket 214 is joined by, e.g., welding, to the steeringcolumn 210 at the lower end portion, of the steering column 201. Thesupport bracket portion 214 is formed with a pair of flat side portions214 a, 214 a that are so supported as to respectively come into compactwith the opposed flat plate portions 204 b, 204 b of thevehicle-boy-secured lower bracket 204. These side portions 214 a, 214 aare formed with a pair of round holes 216, 216 defined as second supportholes for adjusting the column position. The support bracket 214 isrotatably supported on the vehicle-body-secured bracket 204 in such away that a hinge bolt 215 is inserted through these round holes 216, 216and the bracket support holes 204 c, 204 c and is secured by a nut 215a. Further, the bracket support holes 204 c, 204 c of thevehicle-body-secured lower bracket 204 have cut-away portions 204 d, 204d formed toward the front side of the vehicle body, whereby when thesecondary collision happens, the hinge bolt 215 inserted into thesupport bracket 214 welded to the steering column 201 comes off thebracket support holes 204 c, 204 c of the vehicle-body-secured bracket204, and the steering column 201 is moved in the front direction of thevehicle body, thus enabling an impact caused upon the secondarycollision to be relaxed. The tilt type steering apparatus is thusconstructed.

In the thus-constructed tilt-type steering apparatus, the harness 48that bundles the wires leading to the wiper, the winker, the light, thekey cylinder, etc. is fixed via the harness fixing clip 42 to thesteering column at the lower portion of the steering column 201, andhence it is possible to prevent, on the occasion of adjusting the tiltposition, the wires from being disconnected and ill-connected withoutapplying an unnecessary force to the wires even when rocking (tilting)the steering column 201.

The position in which to form the harness fixation swelling portion 40is not limited to the illustrated example and may be either anupper-sided position or a lateral position of the steering column 201,depending on the specifications. The hydroform process based method ofmanufacturing the swelling portion 27 and the harness fixation swellingportion 40, the operations and effects related to the swelling portion27, and the adjustment of the tilt position, are the same as those inthe first embodiment, and hence their explanations are omitted.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the steering column 201made of the steel pipe material as the single blank is integrally formedwith the swelling portion 27 and the harness fixation swelling portion40. It is therefore possible to reduce the manufacturing costs (thematerial cost, the working cost and the assembling cost) and the weightas well. To be specific, the conventional steering column requiresfixing four pieces of components at the minimum such as a pipe, adistance bracket, a hinge bracket and a harness fixation bracket bywelding, caulking (or clinching) and so forth, however, only two piecesof components such as the steel pipe material as the single blank andthe hinge bracket 214 suffice for forming the steering column 201 in thethird embodiment.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 7 shows a side view of a tilt type steering apparatus for a vehicleaccording to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A maindifference of the fourth embodiment from the third embodiment is thatthe swelling portion 27 and the harness fixation swelling portion 40,which are formed in the different positions in the third embodiment, areformed as one swelling portion 37. Thus, the two swelling portions areunited into one swelling portion 37, thereby facilitating a design ofthe die assembly for the steering column 201 and enabling the costs tobe reduced. Further, a degree of difficulty of the working when in thehydroform process is also eased. Other operations and effects are thesame as those in the third embodiment, wherein the same components aremarked with the same numerals and symbols, and their explanations areomitted.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the whole of a tilt type steering apparatusfor a vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 9A is a sectional view taken along the line C-C in FIG. 8, as wellas being a sectional view of a steering column, wherein a swellingportion of the tilt type steering column apparatus for the vehicleaccording to the fifth embodiment of the present invention takes anintegral closed sectional structure. FIGS. 9B-9E are sectional views ofa steering column, wherein a swelling portion of the tilt type steeringcolumn apparatus for the vehicle with a harness fixed by use of piecesof metal fittings taking a variety of configurations, takes an integralclosed sectional structure.

The following is a difference of the fifth embodiment from the thirdembodiment. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9A, in the fifth embodiment, aharness fixation hook 42 for supporting a harness 48 is fixed by afixing pin 52 to a harness fixation swelling portion 40 of the steeringcolumn 201 via a support metal fitting 50 a taking substantially anS-shape in section. The support metal fitting 50 a is formed with a hole47 with which the harness fixation hook 42 engages. This contrivance canlessen bending (deflection) of the harness 48 from an axis line of thesteering column 201, and hence the disconnection, etc. can be preventedwithout applying an unnecessary force to the wiring material within theharness 48.

FIG. 9B shows a case where a support metal fitting 50 b assumessubstantially an L-shape in section. This is an example in which thesupport metal fitting 50 b is fixed by a fixing pin 52 to the steeringcolumn 201, and in FIG. 9B a harness fixation clip 42 is disposed on theright side of the steering column 201.

FIG. 9C shows an example where a clip stopping portion 46 is formed onthe right side of the steering column 201, a support metal fitting 50 ctaking substantially an L-shape in section is fixed by a fixing pin 52to the right side portion of the steering column 201, and the harnessfixation clip 42 is disposed under the steering column 201 by use of thesupport metal fitting 50 c.

FIG. 9D shows an example where the clip stopping portions 46, 46 areformed on both of the right and left sides of the steering column 201, asupport metal fitting 50 d taking substantially a U-shape in section isfixed by the fixing pins 52, 52 to both of the right and left sides ofthe steering column 201, and the harness fixation clip 42 is disposedunder the steering column 201 by use of the support metal fitting 50 d.

FIG. 9E shows an example where a pair of harness fixation swellingportions 40, 40 are formed on upper and lower portions of the steeringcolumn 201, a support metal fitting 50 e taking substantially a U-shapein section is fixed by the fixing pins 52, 52 to both of the upper andlower sides of the steering column 201, and the harness fixation clip 42is a disposed on the right side of the steering column 201 by use of thesupport metal fitting 50 e. Thus, a degree of freedom of acircumferential layout of the harness 48 extending around the steeringcolumn 201 can be increased by variously changing the configuration ofthe support metal fitting.

Note that the fixing position and the fixing method of the harness 48can be modified in a variety of forms without being limited to theexamples given above.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 10A shows a side view of a tilt adjusting type steering columnapparatus for a vehicle according to a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 10B is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG.10A, as well as being a sectional view of a steering column, wherein aswelling portion of the tilt type steering column apparatus for thevehicle according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention takesan integral closed sectional structure. FIG. 10C is a sectional viewtaken along the line B-B in FIG. 10A, as well as being a sectional viewof a support bracket portion of the tilt type steering column apparatusfor the vehicle according to the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 10D is a sectional views taken along the line C-C inFIG. 10A, as well as being a sectional view of a steering column,wherein a harness fixation swelling portion of the tilt adjusting typesteering column apparatus for the vehicle according to the sixthembodiment of the present invention takes an integral closed sectionalstructure.

A difference of the sixth embodiment from the first embodiment and thethird embodiment is that the steering column 1 made of a steel pipematerial as a single blank, is integrally formed based on the hydroformprocess with the swelling portion 7 in the middle part in the lengthwisedirection, the support bracket 14 at the lower end portion, on the frontside of the vehicle body, of the steering column 1, and the harnessfixation swelling portion 40 between the swelling portion 7 and thesupport bracket 14.

Note that the hydroform-process based manufacturing method of theswelling portion 7, the support bracket 14 and the harness fixationswelling portion 40, the operations, the effects and the tilt positionadjustment are the same as those in the first embodiment and the thirdembodiment, wherein the same numerals and symbols are given, and theirexplanations are omitted.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the steeringcolumn 1 made of the steel pipe material as the single blank isintegrally formed with the swelling portion 7, the support bracketportion 14 and the harness fixation swelling portion 40, thereby makingit possible to make a compact design, exhibit excellency of strength andrigidity and reduce the manufacturing costs (the material cost, theworking cost, the assembling cost) and the weight as well. To bespecific, the conventional steering column requires fixing four piecesof components at the minimum such as a pipe, a distance bracket, a hingebracket and a harness fixation bracket by welding, caulking (orclinching) and so forth, however, only the steel pipe material as thesingle blank suffices for the steering column 1 in the sixth embodiment.

Note that all the embodiments according to the present invention haveexemplified the case of manufacturing the steering column by thehydroform process, however, the steering column can be manufactured byuse of, without being limited to the hydroform process, a rubber bulgemolding method, an explosive forming method, a press molding method andso on.

Note that the present invention can be modified in a variety of formswithout being limited to the embodiments discussed above. For instance,the swelling portion may be swollen toward the upper side of thesteering column, and the fastening bolt may be inserted through upwardlyof the steering shaft.

As discussed above, according to the present invention, it is feasibleto provide the steering apparatus for the vehicle that is capable ofincreasing the rigidity of the steering column itself and decreasing thenumber of components.

1. In a steering apparatus for a vehicle, comprising: an upper bracketfixed to a rear side portion of a vehicle body and including a pair ofopposed flat plate portions formed with first holes opposing each otherand separated from each other; a lower bracket fixed to a front sideportion of the vehicle body and including a pair of opposed flat plateportions formed with second holes opposing each other and separated fromeach other; a steering column rotatably supporting a steering shaft; afirst support member held between said opposed flat plate portions ofsaid upper bracket, formed with first support holes opposing to thefirst holes and supporting said steering column; a second support memberheld between said opposed flat plate portions of said lower bracket,formed with second support holes opposing the second holes andsupporting said steering column; a third support member for supporting aharness member between said first support member and said second supportmember; a first support mechanism for supporting said steering column onsaid upper bracket via the first holes of said upper bracket and via thefirst support holes of said first support member; and a second supportmechanism for supporting said steering column on said lower bracket viathe second holes of said lower bracket and via the second support holesof said second support member, an improvement characterized in that saidsteering column is integrally formed with at least two said supportmembers among said first support member, said second support member andsaid third support member, said first support member is integrallyformed with a first swelling portion having a pair of side portions thatrespectively press-abut on said pair of opposed flat plate portions ofsaid upper bracket, said second support member is integrally formed witha swelling portion having a pair of side portions supported respectivelyvia a hinge device on said pair of opposed flat plate portions of saidlower bracket, and said third support member is integrally formed with athird swelling portion having a third support hole for fixing a supportmember that supports said harness member.
 2. A steering apparatus for avehicle according to claim 1, wherein said third support member isformed on said first swelling portion, formed extending toward a frontside of a vehicle body, of said first support member.
 3. In a steeringapparatus for a vehicle, comprising: an upper bracket fixed to a rearside portion of a vehicle body and including a pair of opposed flatplate portions formed with first holes opposed each other and separatedfrom each other; a lower bracket fixed to a front side portion of thevehicle body and including a pair of opposed flat plate portions formedwith second holes opposed each other and separated from each other; asteering column rotatably supporting a steering shaft; a first supportmember held between said opposed flat plate portions of said upperbracket, formed with first support holes opposing the first holes andsupporting said steering column; a second support member held betweensaid opposed flat plate portions of said lower bracket, formed withsecond support holes opposing the second holes and supporting saidsteering column; a first support mechanism for supporting said steeringcolumn on said upper bracket via the first holes of said upper bracketand via the first support holes of said first support member; and asecond support mechanism for supporting said steering column on saidlower bracket via the second holes of said lower bracket and via thesecond support holes of said second support member, an improvementcharacterized in that said steering column is integrally formed withsaid first support member and said second support member, said firstsupport member is integrally formed with a first swelling portion havinga pair of side portions that respectively press-abut on said pair ofopposed flat plate portions of said upper bracket, and said secondsupport member is integrally formed with a second swelling portionhaving a pair of side portions that respectively press-abut on said pairof opposed flat plate portions of said lower bracket, wherein arespective protruded portion protruding inward along the whole of eachfirst support hole is formed along a peripheral edge of said firstsupport hole.
 4. A steering apparatus for a vehicle according to claim2, wherein each first hole of said upper bracket is an elongate hole foradjusting a tilt position, said second support mechanism is a hingemechanism for rotatably supporting said steering column, and said firstsupport mechanism holds and fixes said first support member between saidpair of opposed flat plate portions of said upper bracket, or releasessaid first support member to enable said steering column to move.
 5. Asteering apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the firstsupport holes of said first support member and the second support holesof said second support member are elongate holes for adjusting atelescopic position of said steering column.
 6. In a steering apparatusfor a vehicle, comprising: a steering column for rotatably supporting asteering shaft; and a vehicle-body-rear-side bracket and avehicle-body-front-side bracket, fixed to a vehicle-body-sidestrengthening member, for supporting said steering column, animprovement characterized in that said steering column is integrallyformed with a plurality of swelling portions and is supported on saidvehicle-body-rear-side bracket and/or said vehicle-body-front-sidebracket via said swelling portions, wherein a harness member supportingmember is attached via one of said swelling portions.
 7. A steeringapparatus for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a respectiveprotruded portion protruding inward along the whole of each firstsupport hole is formed along a peripheral edge of said first supporthole.